Greener transport grows at The Oaktree Centre

A Rhyl childcare centre is providing a greener mode of transport for youngsters using the facility.

The Oaktree Integrated Children’s Centre has moved to a more climate friendly transport fleet as part of the Council’s drive to reduce carbon emissions.

The Council declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency in 2019 and committed to seeking to become a Net Carbon Zero and more Ecologically Positive Council by 2030.

Part of the drive to reduce carbon output across the Council includes supporting the reduction of carbon emissions from fleet vehicles.

Electric vehicles (EV) will now take charge of transporting the children who are part of Little Acorns Childcare which is located in the centre.

These include two Citroen e-Spacetourer nine seat minibuses with a range of up to 136 miles and also a Peugeot e-Expert van with a range of 143 miles.

The centre will be using the buses four times a day to transport children to and from schools and also Christchurch School will be using them for transporting their children to events.

They will also be used during the school holidays to take the children and holiday club on trips.

The Play Ranger Team also based at the centre deliver open access play sessions in community areas across the county have also taken charge of an electric Play Ranger van to support their service. The van will support how the Play Ranger Team use loose parts and upcycled items incorporated in their play sessions to model to children how to use and recycle everyday items in their play.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said: “We are working very hard to reduce our fleet’s carbon footprint by replacing fossil fuel vehicles with greener alternatives where it is appropriate for the service.

“It’s great the centre now has these vehicles as it will also help educate the older children about how important is to tackle climate change for their future when travelling around the catchment area in the EV transport.”